Gainesville Composite Squadron - Civil Air Patrol

Welcome to Gainesville Civil Air Patrol

Thank you for visiting the Gainesville Composite Squadron website. We are located in Gainesville, Florida. Our members have been serving the community, state, and nation for over 50 years.

We welcome you to browse our site. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.

Announcements

This Week

This week, March 4th, we will be meeting at our usual location. The uniform will be BDUs. Please arrive promptly at 18:30. Cadets will be participating in an aerospace current event discussion.

Additionally, if you are interested in going to FLWG Conference this weekend and haven't registered, it is NOT too late. Register ASAP at http://flwg.sercap.us/conference.aspx

Gainesville Cadets Achieve at NCSA Selection Boards

By: C/Capt Tiffany Jakowczuk

On the weekend of January 16th, cadets from all over Florida Wing traveled to Patrick Air Force Base for Florida Wing's annual Special Activities Selection Boards. As usual, Gainesville Composite Squadron was represented well.

Special Activities Selection Boards is an activity held by Florida Wing to allow cadets the opportunity to compete against each other and see how they rank in comparison. Each cadet's ranking determines their chances of getting slotted for the National Cadet Special Activities (NCSAs) they apply for earlier in the year. The events of the competition include a uniform inspection, a mile run, a written test, and a review board. Cadets are also given the opportunity to apply for International Air Cadet Exchange, Career Shadowing, and Cadet of the Year.

Of the 10 Gainesville cadets in attendance, 7 of those placed in the top 10 percent of the 129 total cadets at the activity. C/Capt Tiffany Jakowczuk earned both Highest Written Exam and Top Overall Score for Phase IV. C/1st Lt Joshua Davidson and C/CMSgt Tyler Gwynn both earned Top Inspection Score in their phases. Additionally, C/Maj Timothy Lhota achieved Top Board Score for Phase IV.

Congratulations on a job well done to all the cadets who attended this weekend!

Our cadets in the top 12 were:
C/Capt Tiffany Jakowczuk (3rd)
C/CMSgt Caleb Eades (6th)
C/Maj Tim Lhota (7th)
C/CMSgt Tyler Gywnn (10th)
C/TSgt Dillon Willis (12th)

C/Maj Daniel Cook
C/Amn Hannah Eades
C/SSgt Griffin Balducci
C/MSgt MaryElizabeth Dowell

Squadron Banquet 2009 A Success

Col Newman and Lt Col Wisniewski

By: C/MSgt Joseph Cook

Though the air outside was crisp and cold, the atmosphere inside the building at the First Baptist Church of Waldo was one of warmth and cheer. As the many families which make up Gainesville Composite Squadron gradually assembled at the various tables in the large hall, the 2009 Gainesville Composite Squadron Awards Banquet came underway.

The night started with a performance by the Florida Wing Color Guard, comprised of Gainesville cadets Tyler Gwynn, Caleb Eades, Justin Tuttle, and Anthony Dillon Willis. The guest speaker of the evening was Maj. Craig Heitzler, USAF. He spoke to the cadets about his varied experiences with ROTC, and about what it means to succeed. He earnestly stressed the importance of having a career objective, and working towards that goal with the fullest of strength. Distinguished guests included Col. Phil Newman and Col. Ramon Waldrop, both US Army Air Corps Ret. WWII bomber pilots. Both men gladly shared their stories with the cadets and helped present a few awards. Also in attendance was the FLWG Group 2 Commander, Lt Col. Joseph Wisniewski.

A small table, set for one, sat prominently in the front of the room. It was set with many symbolic items, dutifully reminding us of the many U.S. soldiers who never returned from battle, known as Missing in Action or Prisoners of War. They must be remembered for the bravery they showed, honored for their sacrifices, and their legacy forever enshrined in the memory of every American who enjoys the simple, yet extremely significant freedoms in the USA.

Later that evening, many awards were presented to deserving cadets and senior members. One significant award was the 100% attendance award, presented to C/Maj Timothy Lhota, and his father, 1LT Rich Lhota. They have attended 100% of meetings and special activities for 2009, and have both received this award for the past three years! The night was filled with promotions and awards, listed below.

Gainesville Composite Squadron is like none other. The cadets, senior officers, and their families make the squadron one that will never be forgotten because of its dedicated leaders and outstanding esprit de corps. Every year is a new opportunity, and, with continuing teamwork, our squadron will once again succeed in reaching new heights.